The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles Presents A Real Boy: The Many Lives of Pinocchio

The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) presents a new exhibition: A Real Boy: The Many Lives of Pinocchio, which explores the cultural origins, adaptations, and enduring appeal of one of the most popular characters in children's literature. Written in 1883 by Italian author Carlo Collodi, The Adventures of Pinocchio has delighted generations and occupies a revered place in the canon of children's literature. The book has been translated into over 260 languages-a number exceeded only by the Bible. This original exhibition, conceived and produced by the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, explores Collodi's work and its biblical, literary, and historical influences.

A Real Boy: The Many Lives of Pinocchio also examines Pinocchio's ascent to the status of a cultural icon and his enduring appeal in the postmodern era. Pinocchio's impact is everlasting. Hollywood productions remain fascinated with the marionette; his growing nose is a symbol of political deception in the Washington Post Fact Checker Pinocchio Test and on smartphones. Pinocchio inspires musicians from hip-hop and jazz to boy bands. He is constantly reinterpreted in an array of merchandise.

Among the exhibited items is a first-edition Italian-language version of Le avventure di Pinocchio, one of only six copies of the book that remain in the world. Artwork from Walt Disney's animated feature film, vintage toys, costumes by Oscar-nominated designer Massimo Cantini Parrini, Pinocchio ephemera, and publications of the book in languages ranging from Polish to Vietnamese are also showcased. The exhibition, designed to engage visitors of all ages, is a journey into the many incarnations of a beloved character who has left an indisputable mark on our collective imagination.

"Pinocchio is a story for all people, all places, and all times," comments Marianna Gatto, IAMLA director and co-founder. "It is a story about love, moral identity, redemption, and submitting to the fire of transformation in order to self-actualize."

"The exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to discover and rediscover Pinocchio's humanity," said Pier Francesco Bernacchi, president of the Fondazione Nazionale Carlo Collodi. "For over 140 years, has inspired Pinocchio and touched readers around the world."

A Real Boy: The Many Lives of Pinocchio is presented in collaboration and with the support of California Arts Council; Fondazione Collodi; Walt Disney Archives; University of California Los Angeles; Costumi Tirelli S.p.A .; Italian Cultural Institute Los Angeles; Italian Consulate General Los Angeles; Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture and City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

About the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA):

The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) explores the Italian American experience in the nation's multicultural mosaic context. The 6,000-square-foot museum is located in downtown Los Angeles and features an award-winning permanent exhibition, which is also accessible online, as well as temporary exhibitions, cultural-educational programming, and curricula. The IAMLA is housed in the Italian Hall, which was constructed in 1908 as a community center. The Italian Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is among the oldest remaining structures from the city's historic Little Italy. The IAMLA is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization; admission to the museum is free. For more information, visit http://www.iamla.org.

DIRECTIONS: 644 North Main Street (corner of Cesar Chavez Avenue) Los Angeles, 90012. Tel. #213- 485-8432.

Take the Metro Red Line, Gold Line, or Purple Line to Union Station/Gateway Transit Center. Exit the station and walk across N. Alameda Street to El Pueblo Historical Monument. Continue west to Main Street, then walk North one block to Cesar Chavez. The IAMLA is located near the 101 and 110 freeway intersections.

Admission: Free. Donations encouraged.

Parking: There are several parking options in the area. Lot 1 – 419 N. Main Street Lot 2 615 N. Main Street